Bidspirit auction | WWII US Gauge Co Pocket

WWII US Gauge Co Pocket Compass with Original Box - A WWII-era pocket compass manufactured by the U.S. Gauge Co. of New York, N.Y. This navigation instrument features a nickel-finished metal case in a pocket watch style, including a bow and a knurled screw stem. The screw stem functions as a transit lock, designed to lift the pointer from the pivot to prevent damage when not in use. The paper dial is printed with an elaborate orange and black compass rose, cardinal and intercardinal direction indicators in a stylized font, and a peripheral degree scale from 0 to 345 in 15-degree increments. The dial is marked with the manufacturer logo within an orange cross at the 4 o'clock position reading US GAUGE CO NY. The compass is accompanied by its original dark textured cardboard box, which features white lettering and a compass rose graphic. The interior of the box lid contains a printed caution label in red text providing instructions for the needle-lift feature. Compass Case Diameter: 1.75 inches Overall Length: 2.25 inches Box Dimensions: 2.25 inches x 2.25 inches x 0.625 inches. The nickel-finished case shows heavy surface scratching and pitting consistent with age and use. The glass crystal has light surface scratches but remains transparent. The paper dial exhibits uniform toning and minor foxing, with a slight smudge to the manufacturer logo. The original box shows significant edge and corner wear, surface scuffing, and some loss to the finish. The compass does not work and is currently non-functional.